tire/wheel size for 31 classic

[Flying Gypsies]

New to the forum so really quite clueless. We are getting a used airstream and will need to replace the tires. What are the numbers on the tire that Airstream uses on the 31 classic so I can order the correct ones and have them put on before we leave with it? Are they all the same size wheels or does Airstream offer option of larger wheels when they come from the factory?

[87MH]

Originally Posted by flewellg

What are the numbers on the tire that Airstream uses on the 31 classic so I can order the correct ones and have them put on before we leave with it? Are they all the same size wheels or does Airstream offer option of larger wheels when they come from the factory?

You are looking at a 2006 Classic?

There are many threads on the truck tire/PMetric (truck tires) vs. ST tires. I would suggest you do a search and make up your own mind after a LOT of reading.

Airstream did have a 16" truck tire mounted on a rim at the JC store when I was up there last year. That leads me to believe that they "unofficially" recognize the problems with ST tires.

I have gone with General extra load P Metric tires after losing 3 fairly new ST tires in a very short period of time - one of the blow outs did a considerable amount of dollar damage to the skin of the trailer. Get a truck type tire with a load rating as close as possible to the comparable ST tire. This requirement seriously limits your choices, but they are out there. Besides General I think that Michelin also has a current high load 15" tire. If you go to 16" rims your choices are greatly expanded - make up your own mind as to you would be happy with the amount of room available in your wheel wells.

Another thing to look for is the manufacture date on the tires. The Generals I put on the trailer were only one month old... there are dealers out there who would have no qualms about putting two year old "new" tires on your trailer.

Pay very close attention to the load rating and pressure metrics of your new tires. Remember, a lower pressure in the tire USUALLY means a softer ride for the trailer....be careful of snake oil salesmen when you visit the tire stores.

I will say that Discount Tire worked with me to find new manufacture appropriately rated tires. Discount Tire also has an extra cost "replacement guaranty" - well worth the cost in my opinion.

[Jammer]

Your trailer almost surely came from the factory with Goodyear Marathon ST225/75R15 trailer tires. It may have shipped with either load range C or D. I believe there was an increase in axle rating around that time which required the load range D tires.

A few people switch out the rims on their trailer so they can use 16" pickup tires.

Opinions vary widely on tires. I have the stock tires on my trailer and will replace them with identical tires when they reach the end of their useful life.

[Bill M.]

Airstream does have 16 inch wheels and tires in the factory show area. one with a goodyear LT tire and one with a michlen LT tire. about 350 apiece. I have a 23 year old, 32 ft. It has the above mentioned GYM on it. You need the load range D for the weight. If you are going to pull the trailer a lot I and need new tires I would suggest that you investigate going to the 16 inch wheels at the same time. I did not. I bought this trailer last year and had to have tires installed to move it. A local shop put the GYM on it for a good price. This trailer will stay parked for most of the year with only a couple of short trips per year. I have a lighter trailer that I pull and have run a set of 15" Michlen LT load range C tires for about 40000 miles and like them. But you can not do that on the heavier trailer.